North West will have strong representation in both finals of the SA Hockey Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) B Section after a decisive fourth day of play at The Hockey Farm in Emalahleni.
Women’s side unbeaten, one win from promotion
North West B maintained an unblemished record in the women’s competition when they defeated the KZN Mynahs 5–0 in the semi-final. The victory keeps them on course for promotion to the SA Hockey IPT A Section in 2027 should they win the final.
The semi-final scoreline belies a tighter contest in the first half, when North West were held scoreless. The breakthrough came after the interval, with Irene Strydom opening the scoring in the 31st minute. Marika Neethling doubled the lead in the 44th minute before the visitors pulled clear in the final quarter. Goals from Ahlumile Moni (47'), Chanel Genis (51') and Dinelle van Jaarsveld (53') completed the emphatic win.
Across the tournament North West B have now scored 15 goals and conceded just one, reinforcing their status as favourites for the title. Their opponents in the final, SACD (Country Districts), clinched their place with a 3–0 semi-final win over hosts Mpumalanga.
Country Districts set up revenge opportunity
SACD struck early through Chenelle Roux (9'), and extended their lead before half-time when Nabeelah Bodenham scored in the 20th minute. Jayda van Antwerp added a third shortly after the break (45'), sealing a return meeting with North West B. The final offers SACD the chance to overturn a 3–1 group-stage loss to North West B.
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| North West B vs KZN Mynahs (Women semi-final) | 5–0 |
| SACD vs Mpumalanga (Women semi-final) | 3–0 |
Men’s final: repeat of a group-stage clash
In the men’s competition North West progressed to the final alongside the SG Nuggets, setting up a repeat encounter from the group phase. The Nuggets sealed their spot with a narrow 2–1 semi-final victory over the KZN Mynahs.
Reza Rosenberg put the Nuggets ahead in the 27th minute, but the Mynahs replied through Tyrone Laaks in the 45th minute to level the contest. The Nuggets held on to secure their place in the decider.
The men’s final pits North West against a SG Nuggets side that have already demonstrated they can test the province’s teams. For North West’s men the final is an opportunity to reaffirm provincial depth and secure promotion, mirroring the women’s prize.
What promotion means for North West hockey
Elevation to the IPT A Section carries material and reputational benefits for provincial hockey unions. Clubs and players gain higher-quality competition, which can improve player development pathways and exposure for aspirant provincial internationals. For communities across North West, successful provincial sides often stimulate grassroots participation and attract limited sponsorship or municipal support.
- Women’s final: North West B vs SACD — North West B unbeaten
- Men’s final: North West vs SG Nuggets — rematch of group-stage meeting
- Stake: Winner of each final promoted to SA Hockey IPT A Section for 2027
The finals are scheduled for the tournament’s final day. Both North West teams will aim to convert strong semi-final showings into victories that secure promotion. For players and coaches, the matches represent the culmination of provincial preparation and, for many, an opportunity to enhance their hockey careers.
Local supporters and stakeholders will be watching closely: success in Emalahleni would not only add silverware but could energise hockey structures and youth programmes across the province. The outcomes will be important for the union’s planning cycle and for players whose performances at the IPT can influence selection for higher honours.
Coverage from The Hockey Farm confirms North West’s strong showing so far; one more win in each final will be enough to move the province back into the top tier of national inter-provincial hockey.
